- The Southern Ohio Section, PGA of America is an association of approximately 450 golf professionals whose mission is to promote the interest, participation and enjoyment in the game itself; establish and maintain professional standards of practice, and enhance the well-being of golf professionals.  Each year they recognize those within the organization who have distinguished themselves for their service to the game and this year we have three professionals that work and support our game in the Miami Valley! 

Brian Fennen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, is the 2023 SOPGA Teacher & Coach of the Year supported by GOLFTEC. Fennen brought his talents & abilities to Yankee Trace in 2022 and has made an immediate impact on their instructional programing.  Offering both individual and group lessons, Fennen offers something for every age and demographic.  Player Development has become a significant passion of Brian. Today he experiences as much pleasure helping students enjoy the game as playing the game himself. 

The Player Development Award goes to a PGA Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. Tom Harris, PGA Director of Player Development at NCR Country Club, does all of that and more which is why he was selected as the 2023 Player Development Award recipient.  Tom’s programs have been instrumental in adding new full golf memberships to the club.  NCR has seen a number of social members elevate their memberships after attending Operation 36 and their Beginning Golf programming.  Harris’ responsibilities have included creating, promoting and delivering all group instruction and junior programming.

The Associate of the Year is presented to a PGA Associate for growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA. Jerome Porter, PGA Associate Professional at Dayton Country Club is the 2023 recipient.  In Porter’s time at Dayton Country Club he has had direct oversight of the Junior and Ladies’ Programming. Both of those programs have reached all time highs in participation with more than 110 junior golfers and 80+ ladies participating. Jerome prides himself on consistently delivering a quality experience to the members and their guests.